Dispensing device

ABSTRACT

A system of medicament dispensers includes a plurality of dispenser housings each having a unique first indicia and a plurality of containers each having a unique second indicia. The unique second indicia of each of the containers corresponds to one of the unique first indicia of a corresponding one of the dispenser housings. Methods for associating various containers and dispensers is also provided.

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.11/334,940, filed Jan. 19, 2006 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,886,934, whichclaims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.60/671,220, filed Apr. 14, 2005 and entitled “Dispensing Device,” andU.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/645,095, filed Jan. 20,2005 and entitled “Dispensing Device,” the entire disclosures of whichare hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a dispensing device, and inparticular, to a dispensing device having a dosage indicator forindicating the number of metered dosages that have been dispensed from,or remain in, a container that is associated with that particulardispensing device.

BACKGROUND

Aerosol dispensing devices have been developed that include a doseindicating device to indicate the number of metered doses that have beendispensed from the device, or to indicate the number of doses remainingtherein. For example, patients have certain conditions that can betreated with medicaments dispensed in an aerosol and administered to thepatient by inhalation. In one format, the aerosol with medicaments arecontained in a container, and dispensed in metered, or measured, dosageswith an inhalation device, or actuator boot. In such an arrangement, itcan be important for the patient to be able to ascertain the number ofmetered doses remaining in the container, either by an indication of thenumber remaining therein or by knowledge of the number already dispensedtherefrom, such that the patient is not caught unaware with an emptycontainer when in need of the medicament. Thus, it may be important forthe inhalation device to provide an accurate indication of either thenumber of doses remaining in the container, or the number of dosesalready dispensed therefrom.

In addition, a particular actuator boot may be particularly suited orspecially configured for dispensing a particular medicament from thecontainer. Therefore, it may also be important for the container and/oractuator boot to be configured to work with only a corresponding orassociated actuator boot and/or container.

Typically, a conventional aerosol container includes a body and a valvestem that can be depressed relative to the body so as to emit themetered dose of aerosol and medicament. The container typically issupplied with a predetermined number of metered doses, generally on theorder of about 200, such that the counting of the number of valve stemdepressions, and corresponding number of dispensed metered doses, can bedirectly correlated with the number of doses remaining in the container.

In operation, the container is typically received within a housing ofthe inhalation device, wherein the valve is brought into engagement witha support block in the housing. The user administers the medicament bymoving the container relative to the housing so as to depress the valvestem and internal valve and thereby release a metered dose, which istypically administered to the user through a port or mouthpieceextending from the housing. After the dose is administered, the valvestem, which is typically spring loaded, biases the container away fromthe support block so as to again move the container relative to thehousing. In this way, a metered dose of medicament is administered byeach cycle of linear reciprocal movement of the container relative tothe housing.

Some actuator boots, or other devices attached to the medicamentcontainer, have indicating devices that convert the linear reciprocalmovement of the container relative to the housing into a one-way, orsingle-cycle, movement of an indicator, wherein the indicator identifiesthe relative fullness of the container, the number of metered dosesremaining therein or the number of doses already administered. Often,the indicator is disposed inside the actuator boot. If the container isremoved from the actuator boot, for example to clean the actuator boot,a different container may inadvertently be inserted into the actuatorboot, thereby corrupting the count or adversely affecting the ability ofthe actuator boot to properly dispense the substance.

To solve this problem, some devices, including the indicator, aresecured to the container, as shown for example in U.S. Pat. No.6,431,168 to Rand. In the '168 patent to Rand, however, the indicatorsmove with the container as it moves relative to the actuator boot.Therefore, the indicator member moves relative to the viewing window inthe actuator boot, which can be a distraction and can create confusionand difficulties in reading the device, thereby calling into questionthe accuracy and robustness of the device.

SUMMARY

Briefly stated, in one aspect the invention is directed to a dispenserthat dispenses dosages of a substance. The dispenser includes acontainer having an end portion and a valve stem extending from the endportion. A dispenser housing includes a top, a bottom and alongitudinally extending cavity defining an opening in the top. Thebottom defines a well. An indicating device is connected to thedispenser housing and includes an indicator with dosage indicia. Aconnector connects the dispenser housing and the container. Thecontainer is moveable between an engaged position, wherein the valvestem is disposed in the well and a disengaged position, wherein thevalve stem is removed from the well. The connector maintains aconnection between the container and the dispenser housing as thecontainer is moved between the engaged and the disengaged positions.

In one embodiment, the connector includes a track and follower formed onone of a mounting portion mounted to the container and the dispenserhousing. In one embodiment, the connector further includes an extensionmember connecting the mounting portion and the dispenser. The extensionmember can also include a track and/or one or more followers.

In an alternative embodiment, the connector includes a tether connectingthe container and the dispenser housing. In one embodiment, the tetheris made of a stretchable material.

In another aspect, the dispenser includes the dispenser housing, theindicating device and a connector having a mounting portion adapted tobe connected to the container. The connector is connected to thedispenser housing with the mounting portion being moveable between afirst position and a second position spaced from the first position.

In yet another aspect, a method for removing at least a portion of acontainer from a dispenser housing includes moving the container from anengaged position to a disengaged position and thereby removing the valvestem from the well. The connector maintains a connection between thecontainer and the dispenser housing as the container is moved to thedisengaged position.

In yet another aspect, a dispenser includes a dispenser housing, a keydevice and an indicating device. The key device has a mounting portionadapted to be connected to the container, and includes first and secondrotatable rings. The indicating device is connected to the dispenserhousing and includes an indicator having dosage indicia and first andsecond gears. One of the first ring and the first gear has a first keyportion and the other of the first ring and the first gear has a firstkey passageway. Likewise, one of the second ring and the second gear hasa second key portion and the other of the second ring and the secondgear has a second key passageway. The key device is moveable between anengaged position wherein the first and second key portions arepositioned in the first and second key passageways respectively and adisengaged position wherein the first and second key portions areremoved from the first and second key passageways respectively.

In yet another aspect, the dispenser further includes the container,which has a canister and a valve stem. The valve stem is reciprocallymoveable relative to the canister to release a dose of substance. Thecontainer is moveable between an engaged position wherein the first andsecond key portions are positioned in the first and second keypassageways respectively and the valve stem is engaged with thedispenser housing, and a disengaged position wherein the first andsecond key portions are removed from said first and second keypassageways respectively and the valve stem is removed from the well.

In yet another aspect, a method for operating a dispenser includesreciprocally moving the canister relative to the valve stem anddispensing a dosage of substance from the container upon each reciprocalmovement of the canister. The method further includes rotating the firstgear a first incremental amount in response to each reciprocal movementof the canister, selectively engaging the second gear with the firstgear upon a predetermined number of reciprocal movements of thecanister, and rotating the second gear a second incremental amount withthe first gear. The method further includes moving the container from anengaged position, wherein the first and second key portions arepositioned in the first and second key passageways respectively and thevalve stem is engaged with the dispenser housing, to a disengagedposition, wherein the first and second key portions are removed from thefirst and second key passageways respectively and the valve stem isremoved from the well.

The various embodiments provide simple, robust and inexpensive solutionsfor providing the user with information allowing them to ascertain thenumber of metered doses remaining in the container, either by anindication of the number remaining therein or by knowledge of the numberalready dispensed therefrom. In addition, in some of the embodiments,the container remains connected to the dispenser housing, even if it isremoved therefrom, thereby ensuring that the integrity of the dose countfor the container is preserved and also that the container will be usedwith a properly configured dispenser housing. Alternatively, otherembodiments are configured such that a particular container can beassociated only with a particular dispenser housing and indicatingdevice by way of a key device connected to that container.

The foregoing paragraphs have been provided by way of generalintroduction, and are not intended to limit the scope of the followingclaims. The various preferred embodiments, together with furtheradvantages, will be best understood by reference to the followingdetailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dispensing device including adispensing housing with a viewing window revealing dosage indicia and acontainer positioned in an engaged position.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the dispensing device shown in FIG. 1with the container in a first disengaged position.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the dispenser housing,container, indicating device and connector shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the dispensing device shown in FIG. 1with the container in a second first disengaged position.

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the dispensing device shown in FIG.4.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a mounting memberportion of a connector.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an extension member.

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment of aconnector with the dispenser housing shown in partial cross-section.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment of aconnector with the dispenser housing shown in partial cross-section.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment ofa connector with the dispenser housing shown in partial cross-section.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a dispensing device including adispensing housing, a container positioned in an engaged position and ahinged mouthpiece.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the dispensing device shown in FIG. 11with the mouthpiece positioned in a cleaning position.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the dispensing deviceshown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the mouthpiece.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the dispenserhousing.

FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment ofa dispensing device including a dispenser housing, a container, anindicating device and a key device.

FIG. 17 is an enlarged, partial, perspective view of the indicatingdevice and key device.

FIG. 18 is a bottom, exploded, perspective view of the indicatingdevice, key device and container.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a first gear of theindicating device.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a second gear of theindicating device.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a ring of the keydevice.

FIG. 22 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of the indicatingdevice without the first and second gears.

FIG. 23 is a partial, top perspective view of the indicating deviceshown in FIG. 22 without a top cover member and first and second gears.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an actuator member.

FIG. 25 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of a dispensingdevice with the container in a disengaged position.

FIG. 26 is a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of a tether capmember.

FIG. 27 is a side view of another embodiment of a tether cap member.

FIG. 28 is a partial, cut-way view of another embodiment of a tether capmember.

FIG. 29 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a tether capmember.

FIG. 30 is a bottom perspective view of another embodiment of a tethercap member.

FIG. 31 is a side perspective view of another embodiment of a dispensingdevice with a cap member affixed thereto.

FIG. 32 is a partial cross-sectional cut-away view of the dispensingdevice shown in FIG. 31.

FIG. 33 is a side perspective view of another embodiment of a dispensingdevice.

FIG. 34 is a partial perspective view of the dispensing device shown inFIG. 33 with a top portion of the dispenser housing not shown.

FIG. 35 is a top perspective view of the bottom portion of thedispensing device shown in FIG. 33.

FIG. 36 is a partial side cut-away view of the top portion of thedispenser housing shown in FIG. 33.

FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of adispensing device.

FIG. 38 is a top view of the dispensing device shown in FIG. 37 with thecontainer and connector not shown.

FIG. 39 is a top perspective view of the connector shown in FIG. 37.

FIG. 40 is an exploded side view of a dispensing device.

FIG. 41 is a partial, cut-away view of the dispensing device shown inFIG. 40 without the upper portion of the dispenser housing.

FIG. 42 is a partial, cut-away view of the dispensing device shown inFIG. 40 without the upper portion of the dispenser housing or thecanister portion of the container.

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of the lower portion of the dispenserhousing shown in FIG. 40.

FIG. 44 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of adispenser housing lower portion.

FIG. 45 a partial view of a dispensing device incorporating the lowerportion of FIG. 44 but without the upper portion of the dispenserhousing or the canister portion of the container.

FIG. 46 is a partial, cut-away view of a dispensing device incorporatingthe lower portion shown in FIG. 44.

FIG. 47 is a partial, exploded perspective view of one embodiment of adispensing device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the drawings, and in particular FIGS. 1-5, a dispensingdevice, or dispenser, is shown as including a housing 10, or actuatorboot, and a container 100 disposed therein. The housing has alongitudinally extending cavity 12 shaped to receive the container. Atop portion of the housing is generally open such that the container canbe inserted in the housing through opening 14 and be installed thereinwith a bottom end 102 of the container protruding from the housing andexposed to the user for actuation.

The term “longitudinal” as used herein is intended to indicate thedirection of the reciprocal movement of the container relative to thehousing. The terms “top,” “bottom,” “upwardly” and “downwardly” areintended to indicate directions when viewing the inhalation devices asshown in the Figures, but with the understanding that the container isinverted such that the top surface thereof is located adjacent thebottom of the housing and vice versa.

As shown in FIGS. 5, 13, 15, 41 and 46, a support block 16 having a well18 is formed in a bottom portion 22 of the housing. An orifice 20penetrates the support block to communicate with a bottom portion of thewell. Referring to FIGS. 2-4, a mouthpiece 24, intended for insertioninto the mouth of a patient, forms an exhaust port 26 that communicateswith the orifice and well. The mouthpiece 24 extends laterally from thehousing so as to facilitate insertion of the mouthpiece into the mouthof the patient.

The container 100 is formed as a cylindrical canister 104 having a 106hub disposed on a top surface 108 thereof. The container also has ashoulder 180 and a neck portion 188. A valve stem 110 extendslongitudinally from the hub. The valve stem extends coaxially from thecanister and is biased outwardly therefrom by a spring (not shown)mounted within the canister. The container 100 is mounted in the housingby press fitting the valve stem 110 in the well 18 of the support block,which defines an “engaged” position of the container. The container isin a “disengaged” position when the valve stem 110 is removed from thewell 18 of the support block.

It should be understood that the container can be configured in avariety of shapes and sizes, and that the substance contained thereincan be released by any number of valve systems that are well known inthe art. It should also be understood that the valve system can beactuated by a variety of actuators, including, but not limited to,various pumps, levers, actuator boots, buttons and the like. In suchembodiments, the valve system can be actuated by an actuator moveablerelative to the container and housing such that the container remainsstationary relative to the housing.

In a preferred embodiment, the container 100 is filled with a substancewhich is dispensed therefrom in specific metered doses by depressing ormoving the valve stem 110 from an extended closed position to adepressed open position, which in turn opens the value or value system.Preferably the substance is a medicament, although it should beunderstood that the container should be used to hold a variety ofnon-medicinal substances, including, but not limited to, variousliquids, foams or aerosols. A single metered dose is dispensed from thecontainer by each reciprocal, longitudinal movement of the valve stemand attendant opening and closing of the valve.

In operation, the opening of the valve stem and valve is effected bymoving the container 100 reciprocally within the housing 10 along alongitudinal axis, defined by the valve stem and the reciprocal movementof the container, by depressing the exposed bottom end 102 of thecanister relative to the housing 10 so as to move the valve stem 110 tothe open position as it is supported within the well by the supportblock. Alternatively, an actuator can be moved to open the valve systemof the container, which can remain stationary with respect to asupporting housing, a cap and/or an indicating device mounted thereto.For example, the actuator can be attached to the end of the container inthe form of a pump device or the like.

As the valve stem is moved to the open position, the container dispensesa metered dose of the substance in aerosol form through the well 18 andorifice 20 and into the exhaust port. The substance in aerosol form isthen transmitted to the user through the exhaust port of the mouthpieceby way of either a self-generated or assisted airflow. Alternatively,metered doses of liquids and the like can be dispensed from thecontainer.

In other delivery systems, the housing and holder for the container areattached to a component having a chamber with an output end. Examples ofthese kinds of delivery systems are shown for example in U.S. Pat. No.5,012,803, issued May 7, 1991, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,460,412, issued Sep.11, 1984, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated hereinby reference. (No license, expressed or implied, is intended to begranted to either of these patents by reason of the incorporation byreference herein.) In these kinds of delivery systems, the componenthaving the chamber can be adapted to receive the mouthpiece of thehousing, or it can be integrally connected with a holder supporting thecontainer. In either embodiment, the metered dose of substance,preferably a medicament, in aerosol is first dispensed from thecontainer into the chamber, and thereafter inhaled by the user.

In a preferred embodiment, the container 100 is intended to dispense apredetermined number of metered doses of substance. For example,conventional inhaler containers typically hold on the order of 100 to200 metered doses. In operation, it is important that the user be awareof the number of metered doses remaining in the container such that theuser is not caught unaware with an empty canister when in need of thesubstance, such as a medicament.

Now referring to FIGS. 1-5, the dispenser is shown as including thehousing 10, the container 100 mounted therein as described above and anindicator assembly 2. The indicator assembly can take many forms, asdisclosed for example and without limitation in U.S. Pat. Nos.6,142,339, 6,161,724, 6,435,372 and 6,561,384, the entire disclosures ofwhich are hereby incorporated herein by reference. The indicatorassembly can include a single indicator member, or a plurality of (i.e.,more than one) indicator members, shown for example as three co-axiallymounted indicator members 50 in the various embodiments of FIGS. 1-4,16, 22, 23, 32, 34, 37, 40, 41 and 46. In addition, the indicatorassembly can be configured as a mechanical device or an electricaldevice, or a combination thereof, and can include without limitationvarious analog and digital readouts and indicia.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 17, 22, 32 and 37, an actuator member 70 isconfigured as a post member 72 moveably supported in the housing alongan axis parallel to the longitudinal axis defined by the reciprocalmovement of the container within the housing. A spring 88 is disposedaround the post and biases the actuator member upwardly against the topsurface 108 of the canister, or against a mounting portion securedthereto. Although a compression spring is shown in the Figures, itshould be understood that cantilever, torsion, leaf and tension springs,and the like, would also work to bias the actuator member upwardly intoengagement with the container. The springs can be made of metal orplastic.

In operation, the container is moved longitudinally within the housingso as to depress the valve stem to the open position and thereby openthe valve as explained above. As the container is moved downwardlywithin the housing, the actuator member 70 is moved longitudinallydownward. When the container is released by the user, the spring (notshown) within the container biases the container upwardly within thehousing along the longitudinal axis such that the valve stem 110 ismoved to the closed position within the container so as to close thevalve, while the spring biases the actuator member upwardly. As theactuator is reciprocally moved, it selectively engages a ratchet gear72, which in turn operably moves one or more the indicator members upona predetermined number of reciprocal movements.

The indicator members 50 are provided with indicia that are visiblethrough one or more viewing windows 52. The indicia indicate to the userthe number of doses that remain in or have been dispensed from thecontainer. In one embodiment, the indicia take the form of a color code,where, for example, a portion of the wheel is colored green to indicatethe starting full position, a portion is colored yellow to indicate amedium fullness and a portion is colored red to indicate that thecontainer is empty. Obviously, other colors, shading or alpha-numericalindicia can be provided on the indicator wheel to indicate the relativefullness or emptiness of the container.

In one embodiment, the indicator assembly includes three indicatormembers 50 coaxially mounted on an axle 56 and rotatable thereabout.Each of the indicator members is configured as an indicator wheel havinga circumferential skirt with an outer circumferential surface 60 onwhich indicia (shown as numbers) are applied. In this embodiment, theratchet gear 72 is coaxially mounted with the indicator wheel. Theratchet gear 72 includes a plurality of teeth formed around itsperiphery. In one embodiment, the ratchet gear is integrally molded withthe indicator wheel, although it should be understood that the gear andwheel can be made separately and thereafter attached one to the other bywelding, adhesive and the like.

In one embodiment, the first indicator member includes a resilientadvancement member 62 that overlies the ratchet gear teeth of the secondindicator member. Likewise, the second indicator member includes anadvancement member that overlies the ratchet gear teeth of the thirdindicator member. It should be understood by one of skill in the artthat one or more indicator members may be used to provide an indicationof dosages used or available, and that the three indicator members shownin the Figures is meant to be illustrative, rather than limiting. Inaddition, it should be understood that a plurality of indicator membersrefers to any number of indicator members greater than one.

Referring to FIG. 38, a housing 10 is shown as having a pair ofengagement members 64 formed integrally with the housing and includingramped surfaces. A plurality of non-return members 66 extend from thehousing and selectively engage the ratchet gear to ensure unidirectionalrotation of the indicator member. Although the engagement members andnon-return members are shown as being formed in or extending from amodule housing, shown in FIGS. 3 and 16 and as described below, one ofskill in the art should understand that those members or equivalentfeatures could also be formed in or connected to the dispenser housingor actuator boot that supports the container as shown in FIGS. 34, 37and 38 or disposed on or connected to the container itself.

In operation, the container is moved longitudinally within the housing10 so as to depress the valve stem 110 to the open position so as toopen the valve as explained above. As the container is reciprocallymoved within the housing, the actuator 70 engages the ratchet gear 72secured to the first indicator member and rotates the first indicatormember a predetermined angular or incremented amount corresponding tothe pitch of the teeth disposed around the periphery of the ratchetgear.

The reciprocal movement of the container relative to the housing isrepeated until the first indicator member 50, and its ratchet gear 72,are rotated one complete revolution. The predetermined number ofreciprocal movements required to advance the first indicator member onerevolution is equal to the number of teeth disposed about the peripheryof the ratchet gear 72. As the first indicator member is rotated bysuccessive movements of the container relative to the housing, theadvancement member 62 of the first indicator member is brought intoselective engagement with the engagement member 64, configured with theramped surface formed in the housing. In particular, the engagementmember 64 biases a tooth portion of the advancement member 62 intoengagement with one of the teeth of the ratchet gear 72 on the secondindicator member.

As the first indicator member is further rotated by successive movementsof the container relative to the housing, whether it be the dispenserhousing for the container or the module housing described below, theadvancement member 62 engages one of the teeth on the ratchet gear 72 ofthe adjacent (i.e., second) indicator member and advances the indicatormember a predetermined incremental angular amount corresponding to thepitch of the ratchet gear teeth. The term incremental is meant to referto the angular amount the indicator member is moved by the advancementof one actuation, which corresponds to the movement of one tooth,regardless of whether the indicating device is indicating the number ofdoses left (e.g., counting down) or indicating the number of dosesadministered (e.g., counting up).

As the resilient advancement member 62 clears the engagement member 64,it springs away from the ratchet gear such that further advancements ofthe first indicator member do not effect a rotation of the secondindicator member until the first indicator member completes yet anothercycle so as to again bring the advancement member into engagement withthe next tooth of the second indicator member ratchet gear, and so on.The second indicator member with its advancement member similarlyinteracts with a second engagement member overlying the teeth of thethird indicator member so as to selectively engage and advance the thirdindicator member a predetermined incremental amount for each completerotation of the second indicator member. It should be understood thatmore indicator members could be similarly assembled to provide anincremental indicating device.

Referring to FIGS. 40, 41 and 46, a secondary or warning indicatormember 300 is rotatably supported in the dispenser housing adjacent theindicator members about an axis parallel to and spaced apart from theaxis of the indicator members 50. The warning indicator 300 has an outercircumferential surface with warning dosage indicia applied thereto.Preferably, the warning dosage indicia takes the form of a color coding,for example a portion or zone of the surface is green, while anotherportion or zone is red. Preferably a plurality of zones is used, forexample and without limitation two zones of green and red respectively,or three zones of green, yellow and red. Alternatively, alphanumericcharacters, text messages etc. as herein described can be used asindicia. It should be understood that a surface of the indicator memberperpendicular to the axis of rotation also can be configured with theindicia. The surface of the indicator member is visible through aviewing window 302 formed in the dispenser housing.

The second indicator member 300 further includes at least one drivenmember 306, and preferably a plurality of driven members, configured inone embodiment as a teeth extending radially outward from the secondindicator member on one side of the circumferential indicia surface.Taking into account the spacing between the axes of rotation for thefirst and second indicator members 50, 300, a drive member coupled toone of the indicator members and the driven members are configured andhave sufficient lengths so as to mesh after a predetermined number ofrotations of the first indicator member 50 configured with the drivemember. The second indicator member 300 is also provided with aplurality of ratchet teeth 308 formed circumferentially around the axisof rotation on the side of the indicator member opposite the drivemember. A non-return member extends from the dispenser housing or modulehousing and successively, selectively engages one or more of the ratchetteeth 308 so as to allow the second indicator member 300 to rotate inonly one direction. Various embodiments incorporating a warningindicator are further disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/968,815, filed Oct. 18, 2004 and entitled Indicating Device WithWarning Dosage Indicator, the entire disclosure of which is herebyincorporated herein by reference.

In a preferred embodiment of the dispenser, shown in FIGS. 3 and 16-18,the indicator assembly is arranged in an indicator module 90. Theindicator module 90 is shaped to be received within the housing where itis disposed around a portion of the support block 16. In particular, thesupport block is spaced apart from the wall of the dispenser housing,otherwise referred to as the actuator boot, so as to form a donut-shapedsocket in the bottom of the housing. The module includes a modulehousing 92 having an inner concave surface that is shaped to mate withan outer convex surface of the cylindrical support block and an outerconvex surface that is shaped to mate with the inner concave surface ofthe housing which is also generally cylindrical. In this way, the modulehousing is shaped to be received within the socket formed around thesupport block. Preferably, the module housing has a semicircular shapeand fits around a portion of the support block opposite the orificeopening so as to not interfere with the dispensing of the medicament, orthe airflow transmitting the medicament to the patient. In this way, themodule is maintained rearwardly of the midpoint of the support block.One of skill in the art should understand, however, that the module, ormodule housing, can be configured in any number of different sizes andshapes so as to be accommodated in a variety of housings or capassemblies, with or without support blocks and the like. The modulehousing can be made of a single piece, or from two or more pieces joinedto form the housing.

It should be understood, however, that the module can be secured withinthe housing by any number of conventional means, including the use offasteners or adhesive. Alternatively, the module can simply be press fitinto the socket formed between the support block and housing wall.

In various embodiments, as explained above, the indicia are applied to acircumferential surface 60 of the indicator wheel, for example in theform of numbers ranging from 0 to 9, with the ratchet gear on theindicator member having 10 teeth. In operation, it should be understoodthat the three, or more or less, indicator members can be preset to themaximum number of dosages contained within the container, with theindicia, or in this case numbers, arranged about the periphery of theindicator wheel, such that successive, sequential actuations of thecontainer cause the indicator members to count down.

Alternatively, the indicator members are assembled such that the zero(0) of each indicator member is displayed in the viewing window to theuser. The container is then actuated by the user such that the firstindicator member rotates within the housing to sequentially display thenumber of doses that have been dispensed from 1 to 9. Upon the tenthactuation, the indicator member completes a single revolution, by virtueof the ten teeth preferably formed about the ratchet gear whichcorrespond to the predetermined number of actuations, and causes thesecond indicator member to advance one number from 0 to 1 as the firstindicator member again displays a 0 such that the two members togetherindicate that 10 dosages have been dispensed. The first indicator memberis again rotated by successive actuations until another single rotationis completed to further rotate the second indicator to reveal the 2, soas to indicate that 20 dosages have been dispensed. Upon a completerotation of the second indicator member, corresponding to 100actuations, the third indicator member is advanced to reveal a 1 in theviewing window with the first and second indicator members revealing a0, and so on.

Although the indicator assembly embodiments of FIGS. 1-5, for example,are shown as being mounted in the indicator module, one of skill in theart should understand that the assembly, including the axle, indicatormembers, ratchet gears, actuator member and spring could be mounteddirectly in the dispenser housing or actuator boot that supports thecontainer, as shown for example in FIGS. 34, 41 and 46. Similarly, theengagement member, or members, and non-return member, or members, couldbe formed in the dispenser housing that supports the container,otherwise referred to as the actuator boot, as shown in FIG. 38.

Referring to the embodiments of FIGS. 1-7, a connector 4 connects thecontainer and the dispenser housing, and maintains the connectiontherebetween as the container is moved between the engaged anddisengaged positions. The term “connected” as used herein means that twoor more members or components are coupled, whether directly orindirectly, for example with an intervening member or component. Forexample, it should be understood that the container is connected to thedispenser housing when it is connected to the indicator assembly, whichin turn is connected to the dispenser housing. The term “fixedlyconnected,” or variations thereof, means that one component connected toanother is not meant to be disconnected during the normal operation ofthe device and without undue force, while “releasably connected,” meansthat one component is meant to be disconnected during such normaloperation and without undue force.

In one embodiment, the connector includes mounting portion 30 mounted tothe container. The mounting portion, shown in FIG. 6, includes a lockingring or collar 32 that is engaged with the hub 106, for example bysnap-fit, and an annular wall that surrounds the end portion of thecontainer. The mounting portion can include a longitudinal slit to allowthe collar to be snap fit onto the container. The mounting portionincludes a pair of follower members 34 extending from the annular wallon opposite sides thereof. Each follower member includes a stem 36 andcap portion 38.

The connector further includes a pair of longitudinally extending guideportions 40 formed along an interior of the dispenser housing. Eachguide defines a track 42. The guides include a top portion 44 thatextends longitudinally from the top of the dispenser housing. The track42 terminates at an upper portion of the guide 44 to define a travellimiting stop 46.

In one embodiment, shown in FIGS. 11-15, the follower members 34 formedon the mounting portion are directly mounted in the track 42, with thehead or cap portions 38 being retained by the guide 40, such that thecontainer can be translated relative to the guide in the track betweenthe engaged and disengaged positions. At the uppermost position of thecontainer relative to the dispenser housing, and depending on the lengthof the top portions 44 of the guide, the container can also be rotatedrelative to the dispenser housing about an axis 48 defined by thefollower members so as to provide access to the interior of thedispenser housing 10.

Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the mouthpiece 24 is rotatablyconnected to an upper portion 6 of the dispenser housing. In oneembodiment, the upper portion, which also includes the support block 16,includes a pair of axles 8 extending laterally outward from an exteriorthereof. In addition, the housing includes a catch component 54 formedalong a top of a mouthpiece opening 78. The mouthpiece includes a pairof tabs 74 defining openings 76 or sockets shaped to receive the axles8. The mouthpiece further includes a catch component 58, that releasablyengages the catch component 54 on the upper housing portion toreleasably secure the mouthpiece in a closed, operable dispensercondition. The mouthpiece can be rotated or pivoted about an axis 80defined by the axles to a cleaning position, wherein the user isprovided with access to the interior of the upper portion of thedispenser housing, including the support block.

In another embodiment, shown in FIGS. 1-7, the connector furtherincludes a pair of extension members 82. Each extension member has afollower member 86 protruding laterally therefrom and a longitudinaltrack 84, having terminal upper and lower ends 94, 96 defining travellimiting stop portions. The follower members 34 on the mounting portionare mounted in the tracks 84 of the extension members respectively andtranslate relative thereto. In addition, the follower members 34 can berotated about the axis 38 relative to the extension members. At the sametime, the extension members 82 can be translated by moving the followermembers 86 thereof in the tracks 42 formed in the dispenser housing. Theextension members 82 can also be rotated relative to the dispenserhousing, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, by rotating the extension membersabout an axis 98 defined by the follower members 86 thereof.

In operation, the container 100 is moved from the engaged to thedisengaged position. As the container is translated out of the dispenserhousing, as shown in FIG. 2, the container 100 translates relative tothe extension member 82, while the extension member translates relativeto the dispenser housing 10 after the mounting portion follower members34 are engaged with the top travel limiting stop portion 96. As thecontainer is completely removed from the dispenser housing, thecontainer 100 can be rotated relative to the dispenser housing 10 andthe extension members 82. Likewise, once the extension members are fullytranslated relative to the dispenser housing such that the followermembers 86 are engaged with the upper travel limiting stop portion 46,the extension member 82 can also be rotated relative to the dispenserhousing 10. In this way, the container can be translated and rotated, ormoved, so as to provide access to the cavity 12 of the dispenserhousing, for example to clean the housing, while maintaining aconnection between the container and the dispenser housing.

In an alternative embodiment, shown in FIG. 8, the mounting portion 130includes a wall portion that extends longitudinally along the side ofthe container. The mounting portion forms a pair of guides each having atrack 132. In turn, a pair of follower members 134 extend laterallyinward from an interior surface of the dispenser housing and are engagedin the tracks. In operation, the container and mounting portion, whichis attached to the container, are translated relative to the followermembers 134 and dispenser housing 10. In one embodiment (not shown), thefollower members are formed on an extension portion of the dispenserhousing that extends from the top thereof such that the container andmounting portion can also be rotated relative to the dispenser housing.

In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 10, the extension member 82 of FIG.7 is incorporated into the embodiment of FIG. 8, but with the followermember 86 of the extension members engaged in the tracks 132 of themounting portion and the follower members 134 of the dispenser housingengaged in the tracks 84 of the extension members. During operation, thecontainer and mounting portion 130 can be translated and/or rotatedrelative to the extension members 82 while the extension members can betranslated and rotated relative to the dispenser housing 10.

In yet another embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the dispenser housingincludes a pair of guides 40 each defining a track 42. A pair ofextension members 182 each include a pair of longitudinally spacedfollower members 184, 186 extending from opposite sides of the extensionmember on opposite ends thereof. The follower members 184, 186 areengaged respectively with the tracks 132, 42 formed on the mountingportion and dispenser housing to allow the container and mountingportion to be translated and rotated relative to the extension memberand dispenser housing, and also to allow the extension member 182 to betranslated and rotated relative to the dispenser housing 10, such thatthe container can be completely removed from the dispenser housing, butremain connected thereto.

It should be understood that although a pair of extension members,tracks, guides, follower members etc. are shown, that one or more thantwo such members can also be used to connect the container and thedispenser housing.

The various embodiments of FIGS. 1-15 maintain the connection betweenthe container 100 and dispenser housing 10 so as to avoid a countcorruption of the indicating device relative to the container, but alsopermit the container to be moved to a disengaged position so as to allowthe dispenser housing to be cleaned.

In another embodiment, shown in FIGS. 37-39, a mounting portion 112includes a plurality (shown as three) longitudinally extending arms 114each having a catch portion 120 formed on a free end thereof. A collarportion 116 of the mounting portion includes longitudinal slits 122,allowing the collar portion to be snap fitted around the neck 188 of thecontainer.

The dispenser housing includes a corresponding plurality of guides 118each defining an opening or track. The arms 114 are disposed through theguides 118 such that the catch portions 120 engage a bottom of theguides and prevent the container from being removed therefrom when movedto a disengaged position. Alternatively, the catch portions 120 engagethe bottom of the guides 118 as the container is moved to the engagedcondition and thereafter maintains the container in the engagedposition, thereby precluding it from being moving to the disengagedposition. The arms 114 move relative to the guides 118 as the container100 is reciprocally moved relative to the support block 16. In thisembodiment, the indicator assembly is mounted directly in the bottom ofthe dispenser housing, although it should be understood that a modulehousing could also be used.

For example, and referring to the embodiment of FIG. 47, the arms 114and catch portions 120 are inserted through openings 91 formed in thetop of a module housing 90 and defining guides. The catch portions 120engage a bottom of the top wall of the housing and prevent the containerfrom being disengaged from the module housing 90 when the container ismoved to a disengaged position. Alternatively, the catch portions 120engage the module housing 90 as the container is moved to the engagedcondition and thereafter maintains the container in the engagedposition, thereby precluding it from being moving to the disengagedposition. The arms 114 move relative to the openings 91 and modulehousing 90 as the container 100 is reciprocally moved relative to thesupport block 16. The module housing 90 can be fixedly secured to thedispenser housing, for example by snap-fit engagement with one or moretabs 93 that engage, for example and without limitation, a front,vertical surface and a top surface of the module housing 90. The modulehousing can also be attached by friction fit, welding (e.g., sonic),with adhesives, or some combination of the above.

In this way, in some embodiments, the dispenser housing 10 does not needto be modified or otherwise altered from a configuration wherein a doseindicator is not used. Rather, the user simply secures the modulehousing 90 in the bottom of the dispenser housing 10, for example withadhesives or friction fit, and thereafter secures the container 100 tothe module housing 90, for example with the arms 114.

Referring to the embodiment of FIGS. 33-36, the indicating device ismounted in a bottom portion 124 of the dispenser housing, eitherdirectly or with a module housing. An upper portion 126 of the dispenserhousing is connected to the bottom portion. It should be understood thatthe bottom and upper portions can be made as separate members, which areaffixed to one another for example with mechanical fasteners (e.g., snapfit), adhesives, ultrasonic welding or the like. The upper portionincludes a plurality of downwardly inclined lugs 128 or arms that snapfit around the container 100 as the neck of the container is slid pastthe lugs and as the valve stem 110 is inserted into the support block16, with the lugs engaging the shoulder 180 of the container. The lugs,or catch portions, can be spaced from the support block such that theymaintain the container in an engaged position at all times, or they canbe spaced upwardly such that the container can be moved to a disengagedposition, but cannot be removed from the dispenser housing. The catchportions engages the ferrule portion of the container to prevent it frombeing disengaged from the dispenser housing, while allowing thecontainer to move downwardly relative to the catch portions to dispensea dose of substance.

Referring to the embodiment of FIGS. 44-46, the lugs or arms 128, i.e.catch portions, can be formed in the lower portion 124, which caninclude an integrally formed mouthpiece, or can have a separatemouthpiece 24 rotatably or pivotally connected thereto. The lugs 128function in the same way as described above, but in this embodimentpermit the removal of the upper portion 126 of the dispenser housing,for example to permit cleaning of the device. One of the upper or lowerportions can be configured with a stepped in wall 214 and shoulder 216,which receives the other portion by way of a friction fit.Alternatively, one or the other of the upper and lower portion can beprovided with one or more bumps or protuberances to frictionally orsnap-fittingly engage the other component.

Referring to FIGS. 40-43, the dispenser housing includes a lower orbottom portion 124, an upper portion 126 and a mouthpiece 24 rotatablyconnected to the lower portion 124. In another embodiment, themouthpiece is formed integrally with the lower portion 124. In oneembodiment, the upper portion 126 is made of a clear plastic, or isotherwise see-through, such that the user can view the container, forexample to read a label or prescription applied thereto. The entirety ofthe upper portion can be made see-through, or it can be provided with asee-through viewing window permitting viewing of a portion of thecontainer, with the remainder of the upper portion not beingsee-through. The see-through aspect of the upper portion can beimportant, for example, if the upper portion and container are fixed tothe lower portion such that they are not removeable therefrom, forexample to permit viewing of the label affixed to the container. Ofcourse, the lower portion and mouthpiece can also be made see-through.

In one embodiment, the upper portion 126 is removably attached to thelower portion 124 to facilitate cleaning of the device. For example, oneof the upper or lower portions can be configured with a stepped in wall214 and shoulder 216, which receives the other portion by way of afriction fit. Alternatively, one or the other of the upper and lowerportion can be provided with one or more bumps or protuberances tofrictionally or snap-fittingly engage the other component.

A locking ring 202 is secured in the lower portion, for example andwithout limitation by friction fit, snap fit, welding, adhesives and/orsome combination thereof. The ring has a central opening 204 formed by ascalloped inner periphery 206 defined by a circular opening 208 having aplurality (shown as six) of semi-circular openings 210 spaced around theperiphery of the circular opening. The combination of openings forms aplurality (shown as six) of gripping tabs 212 or catch portions. Thetabs 212 engage the container, and in particular surround the neck 188thereof, with a snap-fit, such that the container is maintained in anengaged position with the support block, but cannot be disengaged fromthe lower portion by way of the locking ring 202 engaging the shoulder180 of the container. The circulatory openings 210 or cut-outs permitair flow past or through the ring during actuation of the container. Itshould be understood that more or less openings could be formed.Alternatively, the ring can be formed with a single, central circularopening to receive the container, with other openings formed through thering and spaced from the central opening if necessary to permit airflow.

Referring to FIGS. 31 and 32, another embodiment of a dispensing deviceincludes a cap member 136 formed from a resilient, flexible material,such as rubber. The cap is secured over the container once it ispositioned in the engaged position. The cap can be fixedly secured tothe dispenser housing with adhesives, fasteners and the like. The useractuates the container by pushing on the rubber cap, which deforms asthe container moves longitudinally downward relative to the dispenserhousing. The dispenser housing is provided with a plurality of ventholes 138 that allow air to escape when the cap member is depressed toactuate the container.

It should be understood that the embodiments of FIGS. 31-46 can beconfigured so as to maintain the container in the engaged position onceit is installed in the dispenser housing, meaning that it cannot bemoved to the disengaged position with the valve stem removed from thesupport block. In this way, a single container is associated with acorresponding indicating device such that the count of dosages cannot becorrupted by removing the container from the dispenser housing and usingit with a different housing. At the same time, the mounting arrangementpermits the container to reciprocally move in the longitudinal directionrelative to the support block so as to allow dosages of substance to bedispensed.

Referring to FIGS. 25-30, another embodiment of a dispensing deviceincludes a connector including a tether 140. A cap member 142, or othermounting portion, includes an anchor 144. The cap member 142 is mountedto the container, either fixedly or releasably. In one embodiment, shownin FIG. 26, the cap member 142 includes a plurality of interior radiallyextending ribs 148 that engage the end of the container with a frictionfit. In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 27, the cap member 142includes a plurality of resilient tabs or fingers 150, which act asengagement members to engage the container.

Referring to FIG. 28, the cap member 242 is formed in a disc shape, witha bottom of the cap being attached to the bottom of the container withadhesives, or other suitable attachment devices. On the top of the cap,an anchor 144 is provided for connection to one end of the tether 140.

Referring to FIG. 29, the cap member 242 has a key hole formed thereinand defining an anchor, with the key hole including a slot 244 and ahole 246 formed in a bottom of the cap member. The tether 140 includes aknot or stop portion formed on an end thereof which extends through thehole 246 in an engaged configuration, while the tether lies in the slotand extends from the cap member through an opening 248 in the sidethereof defined by the slot. The opposite end of tether is secured to ananchor on the dispenser housing as explained below.

Referring to FIG. 30, the cap member 142 includes a slot 244 opening tothe side thereof at an opening 248 such that the tether lies in the slotbetween the cap member and the bottom of the container and extendsthrough the slot. The cap member further includes a hole 246 configuredto secure an enlarged end of the tether.

The dispenser housing includes an anchor 146, which can be located onthe exterior or interior of the housing. In one embodiment, the tetheris made of a stretchable material, such as an elastomeric material, e.g.rubber or silicone. In other embodiments, the tether is made of anon-extensible material, which may or may not be contained in aretraction mechanism that winds and stores the tether. Opposite ends ofthe tether 140 are secured to the anchors 144, 146.

In operation, the user moves the container 100 from an engaged positionto a disengaged position, which can include removing the entirecontainer from the dispenser housing, for example to clean the housing.At the same time, the tether maintains the connection of the containerwith the dispenser housing such that the dosage count is not corrupted.

Referring to the embodiment of FIGS. 17-24, a dispenser device includesa dispenser housing 10, a key device 152 and an indicating device 90.The key device 152 has a mounting portion 158 connected to thecontainer, for example by snap fit to the hub or neck of the container.IN one embodiment, the mounting portion 158 includes a collar 32 asdisclosed above with respect to FIG. 6.

Referring to FIGS. 17-24, the key device 152 further includes first andsecond rotatable rings 154, 156, shown for example in FIG. 21, which arerotatably secured to the mounting portion with the first ring disposedcircumferentially around the second ring. In one embodiment, themounting portion includes an edge portion on the bottom thereof thatsupports the rings. Each ring 154, 156 includes an opening 160, 162, orkey passageway, formed in a bottom surface thereof. In an alternativeembodiment, one or both of the rings includes a key portion extendingdownwardly therefrom. The key portion can be configured as a triangulartab member for example and without limitation.

The indicating device is connected to the dispenser housing as explainedabove. The indicating device further includes first and second gears164, 166 rotatably mounted to the top thereof, e.g. sit in the basehousing, and are rotatable about the longitudinal axis. The first andsecond gears include first and second key portions 168, 170 extendingupwardly therefrom. It should be understood that one or both of thefirst and second gears could also be configured with a key passageway.The key portions 168, 170 are disposed in the key passageways 160, 162as the container is moved to an engaged position with the valve stemengaged with the dispenser housing. Initially, the key passageways andkey portions are aligned, for example side by side. When the containeris moved to the disengaged position, the first and second key portionsare removed from said first and second key passageways respectively.

Each of the first and second gears 164, 166 includes a plurality of gearteeth extending from a bottom thereof and arranged circumferentiallyaround the gears. The teeth of the outer, first gear 164 are engagedwith a drive gear 172 rotatably mounted in the module housing, as shownin FIG. 23. The drive gear is coaxially mounted with a ratchet gear 174.The actuator 70, shown in FIG. 24, includes a finger or tab member 176that selectively engages the teeth of the ratchet gear 174 and rotatesthe gear an incremental amount upon each reciprocal movement of theactuator 70 and container 100. In turn, the drive gear 172 rotates withthe ratchet gear 174 and thereby rotates the outer gear 164 anincremental amount. The key portion 168 engages the ring 154 in the keypassageway 160 and moves the ring on the container mounting portion.

Upon one complete revolution of the outer gear 164, an advancementmember 178 extending radially and circumferentially along the inside ofthe outer gear, is biased inwardly by an engagement member formed on theindicator housing 92 into engagement with one of the teeth formed on theinside gear 166 so as to advance the inside gear 166. The inside gear166 in turn rotates the second ring 156 by way of engagement of the keyportion 170 with the key passageway 162.

In operation, the user reciprocally moves the container 100 relative tothe valve stem 110 and dispenses a dosage of substance from thecontainer upon each reciprocal movement of the canister. The first gear164 is rotated by the drive gear 172 a first incremental amount inresponse to each reciprocal movement of the canister, and selectivelyengages the second gear 166 with the first gear upon a predeterminednumber of reciprocal movements of the canister. The first gear rotatesthe second gear a second incremental amount. As the first and secondgears, and corresponding first and second rings, are moved to differentpositions, they define a changing unique key pattern corresponding tothe number of doses that have been dispensed. Accordingly, only acontainer that has had the same number of doses dispensed therefrom canbe reengaged with the dispenser housing, since the key portions 168, 170must mate with the key passageways 160, 162 before the valve stem can beengaged with the support block.

In one embodiment, the container 100 is configured with a unique indiciathat matches a corresponding unique indicia located on the housing 10,the indicating device or assembly, or a combination of the housing andindicating device. For example, the container and housing can beconfigured with a matching color or alpha numeric character, or acombination of both, such that the user is advised that a particularcontainer is associated with a particular housing. For example andwithout limitation, both the container and housing can be configuredwith a label having a particular color (e.g., red) and an alpha-numericindicia, e.g., “B263.” In this way, the user is advised that thecontainer matches the dispenser and is assured that the count indicationon the indicating device associated with that dispenser corresponds tothat container. In this way, there is additional assurance of the numberof doses remaining in the container, or the number of doses alreadydispensed therefrom. This identification system can be used by itself,i.e. as a primary linking/identification tool, or as an auxiliaryidentification tool used in cooperation with the other embodiments andconnector devices disclosed herein.

In one embodiment, each container and corresponding housing/indicatingdevice is provided with a unique indicia that is not duplicative ofindicia used with any other housing/indicating device. In anotherembodiment, the indicia may be reused after the passage of time, forexample a certain time beyond the expiration of any particular lot ofmedicament, such that an infinite number of indicia is not required. Inyet another embodiment, containers and housings/indicating devicesdispensed to a particular user are configured with unique indicia, forexample by having the pharmacy or other retailer maintaining records andassigning new indicia to refills and new prescriptions so as to preservethe uniqueness relative to that particular user. In this embodiment,other users may randomly be assigned the same indicia as the indiciaused by a particular user, but the uniqueness is preserved for eachuser.

Although the present invention has been described with reference topreferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize thatchanges may be made in form and detail without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention. As such, it is intended that the foregoingdetailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limitingand that it is the appended claims, including all equivalents thereof,which are intended to define the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system of medicament dispensers comprising: aplurality of dispenser housings each having a unique first indiciadifferent from said first indicia of the other of said plurality ofdispenser housings, wherein said unique first indicia is capable ofbeing seen by a user, and wherein each of said plurality of dispenserhousings is configured with a dosage indicating device; and a pluralityof containers each holding dosages of the same type of medicament, eachof said containers having a unique second indicia different from saidsecond indicia of the other of said plurality of containers, whereinsaid unique second indicia is capable of being seen by the user, andwherein said unique second indicia of each of said containerscorresponds to one of said unique first indicia of a corresponding oneof said plurality of dispenser housings, wherein each of said containersis coupled to said corresponding one of said dispenser housings.
 2. Thesystem of claim 1 wherein each of said plurality of dispenser housingsis configured with a well and each of said plurality of containers isconfigured with a valve stem, wherein said valve stem of each of saidcontainers is shaped to be removeably received in said well of saidcorresponding one of said plurality of dispenser housings.
 3. The systemof claim 1 wherein each of said plurality of first indicia and each ofsaid plurality of second indicia comprises alphanumeric characters. 4.The system of claim 3 wherein each of said plurality of said firstindicia comprises a color.
 5. The system of claim 1 wherein each of saidfirst indicia are applied to a corresponding dispenser housing with alabel.
 6. The system of claim 1 wherein each of said second indicia areapplied to a corresponding container with a label.
 7. The system ofclaim 1 wherein said pluralities of unique first and second indicia areassociated with a single, particular user.
 8. The system of claim 1wherein the uniqueness of said pluralities of unique first and secondindicia are preserved for a certain time period.
 9. The system of claim8 wherein said time period extends beyond an expiration of a particularlot of said medicament.
 10. The system of claim 1 wherein each of saidplurality of dispenser housings is configured with a mouthpiece.
 11. Amedicament dispenser comprising: a dispenser housing having a uniquefirst indicia, wherein said unique first indicia is non duplicative ofindicia used with any other dispenser housing prescribed for aparticular user; a container holding dosages of a medicament, saidcontainer having a unique second indicia corresponding to said uniquefirst indicia, wherein said unique second indicia is non duplicative ofindicia used with any other container prescribed for the particularuser; and wherein said dispenser housing is configured with a dosageindicating device capable of indicating the number of dosages ofmedicament dispensed from or remaining in the container.
 12. Themedicament dispenser of claim 11 wherein said unique first and secondindicia each comprise alphanumeric characters.
 13. The medicamentdispenser of claim 11 wherein said unique first and second indicia eachcomprise a color.
 14. The medicament dispenser of claim 11 wherein saidunique first and second indicia are identical.
 15. The medicamentdispenser of claim 11 wherein said dispenser housing is configured witha first label comprising said first indicia.
 16. The medicamentdispenser of claim 15 wherein said container is configured with a secondlabel comprising said second indicia.
 17. The medicament dispenser ofclaim 11 further comprising a connector coupled between said dispenserhousing and said container.
 18. The medicament dispenser of claim 17wherein said connector comprises a tether.
 19. A kit adapted forassembly into a medicament dispenser comprising: a dispenser housing; acontainer holding a plurality of dosages of medicament, said containercapable of being associated with said dispenser housing for dispensingdosages of medicament from said container; a dosage indicating devicecapable of being associated with said dispenser housing for indicatingthe number of dosages of medicament dispensed from or remaining in saidcontainer; a first label capable of being associated with said dispenserhousing, said first label comprising a unique first indicia, whereinsaid unique first indicia is non duplicative of indicia used with anyother dispenser housing prescribed for a particular user; and a secondlabel capable of being associated with said container, said second labelcomprising a unique second indicia, wherein said first and secondindicia are matching, wherein said unique second indicia is nonduplicative of indicia used with any other container prescribed for theparticular user.
 20. The kit of claim 19 wherein said first and secondmatching indicia are identical.
 21. The kit of claim 20 wherein saidfirst and second indicia each comprise alphanumeric characters.
 22. Thekit of claim 20 wherein said first and second indicia each comprise acolor.
 23. The kit of claim 19 wherein said first and second labelscomprise a first pair of labels, and further comprising a plurality ofother pairs of labels, wherein each of said pairs of labels comprisesdifferent matching first and second indicia.
 24. A method for assemblinga medicament dispenser comprising: providing a dispenser housingcomprising a dosage indicating device; providing a container holding aplurality of dosages of medicament; applying a first label to saiddispenser housing, said first label comprising a unique first indicia,wherein said unique first indicia is non duplicative of indicia usedwith any other dispenser housing prescribed for a particular user;applying a second label to said container, said second label comprisinga unique second indicia, wherein said first and second indicia arematching, wherein said unique second indicia is non duplicative ofindicia used with any other container prescribed for the particularuser; and connecting said container to said dispenser housing.
 25. Themethod of claim 24 wherein said connecting said container to saiddispenser housing comprises inserting a valve stem of said containerinto a well of said dispenser housing.
 26. The method of claim 24wherein said first and second indicia are identical.
 27. The method ofclaim 24 wherein said first and second indicia each comprisealphanumeric characters.
 28. The method of claim 24 wherein said firstand second indicia each comprise a color.
 29. The method of claim 24further comprising providing a second dispenser housing comprising asecond dosage indicating device; providing a second container holding asecond plurality of dosages of said medicament; applying a third labelto said second dispenser housing, said third label comprising a uniquethird indicia; and applying a fourth label to said second container,said fourth label comprising a unique fourth indicia, wherein said thirdand fourth indicia are matching, and wherein said third and fourthindicia are different than said first and second indicia; and connectingsaid second container to said second dispenser housing.
 30. The methodof claim 29 further comprising providing a plurality of subsequentdispenser housings each comprising a dosage indicating device; providinga plurality of subsequent containers each holding a plurality of dosagesof said medicament; applying pairs of labels to corresponding subsequentdispenser housings and containers, wherein said pairs of labels eachcomprise matching indicia, and wherein said matching indicia of each ofsaid pairs of labels is different than said matching indicia of theother pairs of labels.